Ok so my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 with the 360 motor is due for a plenum fix. I am at 136,xxx miles. Been putting it off, but I think it is time for me to get in there and get it done. I figure while I am at it I am going to do the water pump, and timing chain. I have a slight coolant leak at the timing chain cover anyway. So my question is which timing chain set to go with? I have done a search on here and figure I am going with a double roller, but when I look them up I get many sets to choose from. I am confused...which one do I go with? Any brand better than others? Also I am going with a Hughes Plenum kit or is there another one out there that is better? Also while I am at it should I do the Accel tune up kit? I do pull a 7,000# travel trailer and would like a little more power(I know I am not going to gain much, but every little bit help). Any info you guys could provide me with would be greatly appreciated.

 

For the timing set, pretty much any well respected brand will do ya.

Don't bother with the plenum kit unless you think the aluminum looks pretty. All you need for a permanent fix is shorter bolts.

I don't know what's in an Accel tuneup kit. Ignition modifications will not net you any horsepower gain, so if that's what you're looking for don't bother.

 

I went with the Cloyes timing set for the 5.7. Also did the water pump, all idler pulley's and tensioner, upper and lower radiator hoses. Everything above was purchased from Rock Auto for under $200. (Gates items).
I used Zerek G-06 coolant and Mobil 1 synthetic for the oil change. All good now. Wait until you see the tensioner in the video. It was in pieces. Don't wait to change.

 

I hope you mean 5.9 - Nevermind, two different users.... lol

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I was thinking on going with the Cloyes set...so I went ahead and placed my orders tonight. Timing chain set, tensioner, water pump, among some other maintenance items and went ahead and ordered the Hughes Plenum kit. Just wanted to make sure I was getting all the right parts for the plenum and figured at least with the Hughes kit I know everything is right.

 

100% TRUE. I manufactured plates until it was pointed out to me that the bolt length is too long to achieve proper clamping force. The 'dissimilar metals' theory is bunk. All you need is shorter bolts and clean metal surfaces. Apply a thin layer of black rtv to both sides of entire gasket.

Save your money and help stop the plenum propaganda.

 

If you're curious enough to search for it, somewhere around here (in the forum) I posted the math that debunks that "just enough knowledge to be dangerous" dissimilar metals myth. Not that it's too hard to get there with the material constants tables if you've got 'em handy.

Good on ya for educating for free when you could profit by exploiting the ignorance of others!

 

double roller timing chain

 

Totally different engine than the 5.9. The older motors don't have a chain tensioner, and in all reality, with a double roller chain, you should NOT use one. (on the 5.9)

 

I didnt use one. Opened it up to swap a cam 30k later. Still nice and tight